"My goal as board chair is to continue to inspire board members to embrace the incredible momentum and opportunities we have in place," said Alejandro. "There is so much excitement among our board - members are engaged, motivated and focused on what we can do to assist and contribute to St. Thomas's continued growth and development on all fronts."

 

Having served on the finance, facilities, advancement and executive committees of the St. Thomas board already, Alejandro is also a member of the search committee that is bringing Tom Southard to St. Thomas, and that will identify the new head of school. Additionally, he brings with him exceptional professional and leadership experience. Alejandro is CEO of Grupo Dueñas Holdings, a commercial, residential and corporate real estate development company; director of the Dueñas-Herrera Family Foundation; and is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO). 

 

"Alex is going to be an exceptional leader of this board," said Beth Johnson, outgoing chair. "Not only does he have the enthusiasm and affection for St. Thomas, its administration, and its faculty, that is so necessary to be effective, but he is also a strong leader with a vision and desire to implement changes that will make the school the best that it can be."

 

"Serving on the board, particularly as chair, has primarily instilled in me a great sense of responsibility and commitment towards St. Thomas," said Alejandro. "My job, during this time of transition, is to cultivate, capitalize and channel the valuable and talented human capital that sits on our board in terms of each member's committed time, talent, and treasure. We have such an opportunity to continue to build on this wonderful foundation that is St. Thomas."

 

In addition to the guidelines and best practices provided by NAIS, Alejandro, along with fellow board members, will look to the NAES (National Association of Episcopal Schools) for guidance in terms of Episcopal school identity; leadership and governance in a parish school; and spiritual and professional development.

 

Although serving as board chair will be a new role for Alejandro, he is certainly not new to the St. Thomas community.  He is the father of three St. Thomas students - Carlota, entering 3rd grade, Paulina, entering Kindergarten, and Fernanda, entering Jr. Pre-K.  His wife, Jolie, is a St. Thomas alumna and his mother-in-law, Irene Souto, was the school's first director of development.